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"Thief On The Cross Salvation" Today?

by Steven J Wallace

Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). Yet we find many who in one sentence, articulate allegiance with Jesus, but in another breath deny his word. One clear example of this is found in the various teachings regarding salvation.

Several are speaking about the salvation of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:39-43. We do not deny the thief's salvation; however, we do deny the false teaching that has been circulated regarding him. Some reason as such: Jesus was baptizing people before his death (John 3:22-26); he saved the thief on the cross without baptizing him; therefore, baptism is not essential for salvation. If this reasoning holds water, why not reason as such: Jesus went about saving people before he died and shed his blood (Luke 5:20, 21); he saved the thief before he died; therefore, his death and shed blood are not essential to salvation? Any honest person can see the point and the absurdity of such reasoning.

We must recognize that the thief died under the Old Testament law and that Jesus' New Testament would only come into effect after he died. “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead…” (Hebrews 9:16-17). The thief died under the Old Testament but we live under the New Testament today. Here is the point. To safeguard against flawed reasoning we must consider everything the Bible says on a given subject.

The Bible's teaching on salvation is:

“The churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16).

Personal Prayer

by Bob Dodson

Many new Christians feel that they do not know how to pray, there is much to be learned about prayer and you will grow in your knowledge and practice of prayer, but you can and should pray from the very beginning of your Christian life.

Read Matthew 7:7-11. God wants you to pray. He wants you to seek His help as a loving Father.

Read James 5:16-19. This shows that prayer is a powerful force. Sometimes people think God cannot answer prayers without a miracle; but He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20).

Read I John 5:14-15. You can be confident that God will hear you. Remember, however, that God's answer will be “according to his will.” You should always pray with the attitude that God's wisdom and goodness are to be trusted more than your own desires. Sometimes the best answer we can receive is for God to refuse what we request. We may not always understand why, but we know that God knows best. See also I John 3:22.

Here are some things which should be included in prayers:

  1. Confession of sins. I John 1:9.
  2. Thanksgiving for God's goodness. Colossians 4:2.
  3. When you are troubled. Philippians 4:6-7.
  4. To overcome temptations. Matthew 26:41.
  5. For daily needs. Matthew 6:11.
  6. For health. James 5:13.
  7. For others. I Timothy 2:1.

(This, of course, is not a complete list. Simply stated, you should pray for anything that is in harmony with the will of God. This includes things that are both material and spiritual.)

As you grow spiritually you will learn many wonderful things about prayer. And as you make prayer a regular part of your life you will find it to be a continual source of strength.

You may find it helpful to make a written list of the things and people for which you want to pray. A personal prayer diary may be helpful in reminding you of your particular prayer needs and especially the needs of others for whom you want to pray.

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